Home Blog Page 616

Twenty One Pilots Announce New Album ‘Breach’ and Stadium Tour

Eric Alper
-
0
Twenty One Pilots Announce New Album ‘Breach’ and Stadium Tour

GRAMMY-winning rock sensation Twenty One Pilots have released “The Contract,” the first single off their forthcoming album Breach, arriving September 2025 via Fueled By Ramen. Along with the song, the band announced a North American headline tour, THE CLANCY TOUR: BREACH 2025. The Live Nation promoted tour kicks off September 18 in Cincinnati, OH at TQL Stadium and continues with stadium and amphitheater performances across the U.S. and Canada. The tour closes with a show at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on October 25. See below for ticketing information and routing.

WATCH/LISTEN TO “THE CONTRACT” HERE

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE BREACH HERE

Following the epic cliffhanger of last year’s record, Clancy, “The Contract” kicks off the highly-anticipated finale to the albums-long saga the band has been crafting since 2015’s Blurryface.

THE CLANCY TOUR: BREACH 2025 begins less than 6 months after the massive Clancy World Tour saw the band play to over 1.1 million fans in stadiums and arenas across the globe. This included the band’s biggest show to date in Mexico City, where they performed for a sold out stadium of 65,000 fans, and multiple sold-out nights at the O2 in London. 

The tour was in support of 2024’s album Clancy, which sold over 143,000 copies in its first week alone and has amassed more than 1 billion global streams. Complete with pyrotechnics, disappearing acts, theatrical explorations of the band’s lore, and larger-than-life performances, Twenty One Pilots proves why they continue to be one of the most exciting touring artists around. 

TICKETS: Fans can sign up for the artist pre-sale at twentyonepilots.com/tour for first access to tickets now through Sunday, June 15 at 5PM ET/2PM PT. The artist pre-sale begins Tuesday, June 17 at 10AM local time, and the general on-sale begins Friday, June 20 at 10AM local time.

2025 has been a massive year for the band who, along with taking home awards for Favorite Rock Album and Favorite Rock Artist at the American Music Awards last month, just celebrated the 10 year anniversary of their chart-topping and record-breaking album, Blurryface. Along with producing mega-hits “Stressed Out” and “Ride,” Blurryface made history by earning a Guinness® World Record for being the first album to notch a RIAA Gold or Platinum certification for every one of its songs. The record has amassed over 15 billion streams and was the #1 rock album of the 2010’s, cementing Twenty One Pilots as one of the most influential modern acts in the genre. 

THE CLANCY TOUR: BREACH 2025

Tickets and info at twentyonepilots.com/tour

Thu, Sep 18 – Cincinnati, OH – TQL Stadium

Sat, Sep 20 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

Tue, Sep 23 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Wed, Sep 24 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

Sat, Sep 27 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Sun, Sep 28 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

Tue, Sep 30 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre

Wed, Oct 01 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater

Sat, Oct 04 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Sun, Oct 05 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

Tue, Oct 07 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Wed, Oct 08 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

Fri, Oct 10 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

Sat, Oct 11 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Tue, Oct 14 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater

Wed, Oct 15 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Fri, Oct 17 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Sun, Oct 19 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

Mon, Oct 20 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

Thu, Oct 23 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Sat, Oct 25 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium

Top Affordable Electric Bikes for Adults Under 1500 in 2025

Eric Alper
-
0

By Mitch Rice

Sticker shock stops many adults from trying an electric bike. High-end models can push past two thousand dollars, so many riders assume powered travel is out of reach. The good news is that several solid electric bikes for adults now sit under $1500 for 2025.

The picks below mix strong motors, disk brakes, and real-world range without hammering your wallet. A short price snapshot shows how the numbers stack up, then quick notes explain who each bike suits. Whether you want a folding commuter or a long-range ebike, you’ll find an affordable fit here.

Price Snapshot

RankModelStreet Price*Motor / Battery / Range
1Meelod DK300 PLUS$ 9991200 W • 48 V 20 Ah ≈ 960 Wh • 50–100 mi
2Lectric XP 4.0$ 999750 W • 499 Wh • 30–50 mi
3Ride1Up 700 Series$ 1 495750 W • 720 Wh • 30–50 mi
4Aventon Pace 350.2$ 1 299350 W • 417 Wh • 25–40 mi
5Velotric Discover 1 Plus$ 1 299500 W • 672 Wh • up to 65 mi
6RadMission 1$ 1 199500 W • 504 Wh • 25–45 mi

How We Picked These Bikes

We set the ceiling at fifteen-hundred dollars and focused on models a new rider can order today without hunting for coupons. To make the short-list we looked for solid speed, safe brakes, and batteries big enough for a real commute instead of spec-sheet hype.

  • Kept street prices at or below $1 500.
  • Required motors strong enough to hold 20 mph for a 180-lb rider.
  • Looked for at least a 25-mile assist range from the stock battery.
  • Checked that every bike ships with disc brakes, night lights, and a clear warranty.
  • Read owner reviews from 2024-2025 to be sure each pick holds up in daily use.

Meelod DK300 PLUS – Long Mixed-Ride Pick

A dual-motor setup pushes out up to 1 200 W, while a 960 Wh battery keeps the wheels turning for 80–100 miles on assist. Four-inch tires and hydraulic brakes make the DK300 PLUS feel planted on gravel yet calm on paved lanes. At $999, it gives more power and range than many bikes that cost hundreds more. See it in the fat-tire lineup at Meelod’s site.

Stretch Your Budget Further

  • Pump tires to the upper half of their rated PSI to cut rolling drag and grab a few extra miles per charge.
  • Add a rear rack and soft panniers instead of buying a cargo-frame bike; the upgrade costs under $100 and carries a full grocery load.
  • Oil the chain every 150 miles so the motor spins the wheel, not a rusty drivetrain, saving both range and repair bills.

Final Words

Good electric bikes no longer demand a loan. Every model on this list stays under fifteen-hundred dollars yet covers real-world miles with solid brakes and bright lights. The Meelod DK300 Max tops the chart by giving dual-motor pull and long range at the same price many brands charge for a single-motor ride.

Pick the frame that fits your height, keep the tires firm, and charge the battery cool. A quick test ride will show which bike feels right and gets you rolling without stretching your budget.

Do cheaper e-bikes break sooner?

Not if you keep them clean and charge the battery right. Many budget models pass the same safety tests as pricier bikes; most problems come from skipped chain oil and loose bolts.

Can I upgrade the battery later?

Usually yes, as long as the new pack matches the bike’s voltage and fits the mount. Check that the maker or a trusted third-party sells a plug-and-play pack before you buy.

Are budget e-bikes slower on hills?

Some are, but the picks above all have at least 500 W motors that hold 15 mph on a mild climb. Drop to a lower gear and keep a steady cadence to help the motor.

What extras should I buy first?

A bright helmet light, a good lock, and a floor pump with a gauge. These three items protect you, the bike, and the battery range.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Elton John And Ray Cooper Unearth Stunning Deep Cuts in Live from the Rainbow Theatre’

Eric Alper
-
0
Elton John And Ray Cooper Unearth Stunning Deep Cuts in Live from the Rainbow Theatre’

Elton John – Live from the Rainbow Theatre with Ray Cooper will be released on 25th July. One of Elton’s most celebrated performances, the live album was initially released on a limited vinyl run for this year’s Record Store Day. Now receiving a wider release, it will be available both digitally and on CD for the first time, alongside a vinyl repress. The CD and digital editions include a brand new bonus track “Goodbye” plus the original twelve-song tracklist personally curated by Elton and additional liner notes.

In May 1977, Elton John took the stage at London’s iconic Rainbow Theatre with percussion legend Ray Cooper for a six show residency. These performances were the first of 233 Elton-and-Ray only shows that would follow, and featured the live debut of deep cuts; “Roy Rogers”, “Cage The Songbird”, “Idol” and “I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford)”.

May 1977 was the first time in five years that a full month had passed without an Elton LP or single appearing on the UK charts. It had also been eight months since his last performance, after averaging one show every four days throughout the previous seven years. Ticket holders expecting to see a typical Elton concert were in for a big surprise. The first half of the set would be Elton alone at the piano, the second half would see him accompanied by Ray Cooper, the two performers working together telepathically, harking back to the earliest days of Elton’s rise to superstardom. The stripped back performances have since been regarded as some of the finest of his career.

The material selected represents a generous sampler of Elton’s career to date, yet without the big hits that were part of his regular set, offering a glimpse of what he would have been playing had he been a cult artist, not the global superstar he had become.

 Speaking on the album, Elton John says: “I’m delighted that Live from the Rainbow Theatre with Ray Cooper will be available for my fans to enjoy. It’s an album I’m incredibly proud of and listening back to it I’m astounded by how great it sounds. The freedom I felt playing with just the two of us is something I will always remember.”

The release comes in the wake of Elton’s chart topping album with close friend and eleven-time GRAMMY winning US superstar Brandi Carlile, Who Believes In Angels? A true collaboration between Elton, Brandi, Bernie Taupin and multiple GRAMMY Award winning producer and songwriter Andrew Watt, the ten track LP was a global critical and commercial success and Elton’s tenth UK number one album.

Elton’s career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity. Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. In the UK and US charts alone he has 2 Diamond, 43 Platinum or Multi-Platinum, and 26 Gold albums as well as over 85 Top 40 hits. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony, two Oscars, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services”. In January 2024, Elton John joined Hollywood’s elite group of EGOT winners after securing his first-ever EMMY Award for his historic Disney+ live, concert special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.

He holds the record for the biggest-selling physical single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997,” which sold over 33 million copies. Released in 2017 ‘Diamonds’ the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, became Elton’s 43rd UK Top 40 album and has spent over 300 consecutive weeks in the top 75 of the UK album charts, over 200 of these in the top 20. This release celebrated 50 years of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. It topped the UK charts in January 2025, becoming his 9th UK number 1 album, achieving 4 times Platinum status in the process and is the longest charting album of Elton’s career 62-deep catalogue.

August 2018 saw Elton named as the most successful male solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart history, having logged 71 entries, including nine No. 1s and 29 Top 10s. ‘The Lockdown Sessions’, an album of collaborations recorded during the COVID-19 Pandemic, was released in October 2021 and went straight to No. 1 in the UK album Charts, becoming Elton’s 8th UK No. 1 album in the process. Its lead single “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) with Dua Lipa” became a bona fide global hit, reaching No. 1 in over 20 charts world-wide, including the UK and Australia. Its success meant that Elton became the first ever solo artist to score a UK Top 10 hit single in six consecutive decades. In America, he holds the record for longest span between Billboard top 40 hits among soloists at 51 years and currently has logged 57 entries. Elton also holds the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart record with 18 No. 1s and 76 total songs. Summer of 2022 saw another global smash single, as Elton and Britney Spears released ‘Hold Me Closer’, a Top 5 hit in the UK and a No. 1 hit in the Australian single charts.

Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. The tour kicked off on 10th September 2018 in North America and subsequently saw Elton play 330 shows to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia. The shows marked his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road. In 2019 it was named Billboard’s Top Rock Tour and Pollstar’s Major Tour Of The Year. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with 3 sell out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was live streamed on Disney + in every single territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. Elton headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded. The Sunday night closer was widely heralded as one of the greatest performances in the festival’s rich history, attracting one of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the festival. It also received the biggest ever televised audience for a Glastonbury set, reaching 7.6m overnight on BBC1. Elton has delivered more than 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.

2019 also saw the release of ‘Rocketman’ and global bestselling autobiography, ‘ME’. An epic fantasy musical motion picture of Elton’s life, ‘Rocketman’ has been a commercial and critical hit, taking close to $200m at the box office. It has won an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards and a Critics’ Choice Award and garnered four BAFTA nominations. The soundtrack was also nominated for a GRAMMY Award. ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ follows Elton as he looks back on his life and the astonishing early days of his 50-year career in an emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey. Directed by R.J. Cutler and David Furnish the documentary premieres in December 2024, on Disney+.

In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. So far the Foundation has raised more than $600 million for HIV/AIDS grants, funding more than 3,000 projects in over 90 countries. In June 2019 President Emmanuel Macron presented Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Elton was awarded the Companion of Honour in the 2021 New Year Honours list in the UK. The highest acknowledgement in the list, Elton became one of only 64 people to hold the Honour. September 2022 saw President Biden awarding him the National Humanities Medal in recognition of his storied career and advocacy work to end AIDS.

Always a tireless champion of new artists, Elton has been a leading industry voice in lobbying the government for young artists visa-free touring rights in Europe post Brexit.

In 2024, Fragile Beauty opened at the V&A Museum to widespread critical acclaim. Running until 2025, the exhibition showcases an unparalleled selection of the world’s leading photography from Elton and David Furnish’s collection.

Elton John – Live from the Rainbow Theatre with Ray Cooper Track List:

  1. The Greatest Discovery
  2. Border Song
  3. Cage The Songbird
  4. Where To Now St. Peter?
  5. Ticking
  6. Better Off Dead w/Ray Cooper
  7. Sweet Painted Lady
  8. Tonight w/Ray Cooper
  9. Idol w/Ray Cooper
  10. I Feel Like A Bullet (In The Gun Of Robert Ford) w/Ray Cooper
  11. Roy Rogers
  12. Dan Dare (Pilot Of The Future)
  13. Goodbye*

*Bonus track available on digital and CD release only

MGK Announces New Album ‘Lost Americana’ Out August 8

Eric Alper
-
0
MGK Announces New Album ‘Lost Americana’ Out August 8

Today, GRAMMY nominated recording artist mgk has officially announced the title of his forthcoming album: lost americana. With the release of his exciting summer single “cliché,” mgk has been teasing the album title with a trail of online clues for fans to discover. Available globally on August 8, lost americana is an emotionally honest new chapter that reflects on his past with help from longtime collaborators and friends SlimXX, BazeXX and Nick Long. The legendary narrated trailer captures mgk on a journey where the past is reimagined, and the future is forged on your own terms through music that celebrates beauty found in the in-between spaces. Pre-order lost americana HERE.

mgk has been building anticipation with a series of reimagined covers, including the Goo Goo Dolls’ classic “Iris,” Juice WRLD’s “Empty Out Your Pockets,” and Green Day’s iconic “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Each rendition offered a glimpse into mgk’s evolving artistry and emotional depth. On June 20, mgk will perform live on the TODAY Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series on TODAY! Adding to the excitement, mgk is set to headline the 30th Anniversary Vans Warped Tour in Washington, DC this weekend on June 14 and in Orlando, FL on November 15-16.

The renowned superstar eclipsed genre expectations by releasing the widely acclaimed album Tickets to My Downfall in 2020. The platinum album topped the Billboard 200 and became his first No. 1 effort. The album landed 18 tracks on the Hot Rock Songs chart. Platinum singles, “bloody valentine” and “my ex’s best friend,” both went No. 1 at Alternative. His follow-up album, mainstream sellout, became his second album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Rock Album”

Sabrina Carpenter Announces New Album ‘Man’s Best Friend’ Out August 29

Eric Alper
-
0
Sabrina Carpenter Announces New Album ‘Man’s Best Friend’ Out August 29

Today, two-time GRAMMY Award-winning record-breaking global superstar Sabrina Carpenter announces her new album, Man’s Best Friend, out August 29th.  Pre-order here.

The album’s lead single, “Manchild,” which was written by Sabrina and her frequent collaborators Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, was released last week to rave reviews and quickly ascended to number 1 on both the Spotify US and Spotify Global charts. The critically acclaimed music video quickly amassed more than 15 million views. 

Man’s Best Friend is Sabrina’s seventh studio album and follows her monumental album, Short n’ Sweet. Released last August, Short n’ Sweet topped the charts worldwide and had one of the biggest global debuts of 2024. All three singles off the album, “Espresso” (2.2 billion), “Please Please Please” (1.4 billion), and “Taste” (1 billion) entered the coveted Billions Club on Spotify. Short n’ Sweet sold 10 million albums globally.

Short n’ Sweet garnered Sabrina six GRAMMY nods as a first-time GRAMMY nominee and won two awards for her GRAMMY debut. Sabrina took home the “Best Pop Vocal Album” award for Short n’ Sweet along with “Best Pop Solo Performance” for the album’s lead single, “Espresso.” Following the GRAMMYs, Sabrina released Short n’ Sweet (Deluxe), which featured five additional songs, including a duet with global icon Dolly Parton on “Please Please Please” and “Busy Woman,” which Sabrina debuted live on her sold-out headlining arena tour.

Internationally, Sabrina shattered records by becoming the first female artist to hold the top three spots on the UK Singles Chart simultaneously with “Taste,” “Please Please Please,” and “Espresso.” She also set a new benchmark for most weeks at #1 in a single year by a female artist on the UK chart—totaling 21 weeks—and became the first international artist to receive the BRITs’ Global Success award.

This fall, Sabrina will embark on the second sold-out North American leg of her highly praised Short n’ Sweet Tour. The tour kicks off on October 23rd in Pittsburgh and will stop at major arenas in New York, Nashville, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Sabrina will perform five nights at Madison Square Garden in New York and six nights at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where the tour will conclude on November 23rd. This second leg follows the massive success of the previous 33-date sold-out North American tour last November, as well as the sold-out European leg, which saw additional shows added in four cities due to overwhelming demand.

She appeared on SNL earlier this year for their 50th anniversary special, where she sang “Homeward Bound” with Paul Simon and starred in a remake of the fan favorite “Domingo” sketch. Sabrina made her SNL debut as the musical guest for the season finale last May. She recently graced the cover of Vogue US for the first time – see the cover/read the feature here. 

Two-time GRAMMY award winner, Sabrina Carpenter, has enchanted an audience of millions as a singer, songwriter, actress, and style icon. With her music, she has delivered one anthem after another on stage and in the studio, earning multiple gold and multi-platinum certifications, and performing to sold-out crowds worldwide.  On-screen, she has generated mega-fandom through starring roles on television and film. She is signed to Island Records, where she debuted her acclaimed Gold-certified fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, which appeared on many “Best Of 2022” lists, including Rolling Stone and Billboard. The album features her hit single “Feather,” which went #1 at Top 40 Radio, earning Sabrina her first #1. Her sold-out emails i can’t send tour took her to North America, Europe, Asia and Brazil, and she recently served as direct support for Taylor Swift in Latin America, Australia, and Singapore on the Eras Tour. In April, Sabrina made her Coachella debut and was one of the most talked-about artists of the festival. Ahead of her Coachella debut, she released her single “Espresso,” which quickly climbed the charts. Upon release, Pitchfork declared “Espresso” as “in pole position to be this year’s song of the summer,” and The New York Times heralded the single as the song ready to “propel her to the next level”. Since its release, “Espresso” has gone on to reach #1 on the UK & Australian singles charts, Top 5 in the US, and #1 on Spotify globally, where it reached over 200M streams within its first month. Her second single, “Please Please Please,” was released in June and shot straight up to the top of the charts. The single hit #1 on Spotify’s Global and US charts, #1 on Apple Music, and debuted at #2  on the Billboard Hot 100 before claiming the #1 spot a week later and went #1 at US Pop Radio. Sabrina made her Saturday Night Live debut in May on the season finale, where she performed “Espresso” and “Feather/Nonsense.” In August, she released her highly anticipated sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet. The album was instantly met with an outpouring of critical acclaim from the likes of the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Variety, and many more. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, making it the 3rd biggest first week debut in the US in 2024, and became only the second album that year to spend its first three weeks atop the list. Short n’ Sweet also topped the charts around the world, reaching #1 in UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, and France. The album earned Sabrina an impressive six GRAMMY nominations as a first-time nominee. Short n’ Sweet took home the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and Sabrina also won the “Best Pop Solo Performance” GRAMMY Award for the album’s lead single “Espresso.” She made her debut at the 67th GRAMMY Awards with a captivating performance of “Espresso/Please Please Please.” Last Fall, Sabrina wrapped the 33 date North American leg of her monumental sold-out Short n’ Sweet Tour and recently wrapped the sold-out European leg. Later this year, Sabrina will return for a second North America leg that includes six shows at  Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and five shows at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Glissotar Blends Saxophone and Violin in One Revolutionary Slide

Eric Alper
-
0
The Glissotar Blends Saxophone and Violin in One Revolutionary Slide

What do you get when a soprano sax, a violin, and a Hungarian tárogató walk into a studio? The Glissotar. Invented by Daniel Vaczi, it doesn’t just play notes—it slides through them with a magnetic strip that replaces tone holes. It’s not just an instrument, it’s a new way to feel music.

‘The Sound of Seattle’ Traces 101 Songs That Built a Music Mecca

Eric Alper
-
0
‘The Sound of Seattle’ Traces 101 Songs That Built a Music Mecca

This rockin’ paperback explores the musical evolution of Seattle through the lens of 101 songs spanning 80 years, examining the most prominent and important music and musicians to come out of our corner of the country, with a foreword by Pearl Jam legend Mike McCready.

KEXP DJ and musician Eva Walker and music writer Jake Uitti take readers on a musical journey, exploring the songs and artists instrumental to developing the “Seattle sound.” The authors have curated the ultimate playlist for the Emerald City. It all begins in 1942 when Washington-born Bing Crosby records what will become the world’s bestselling single of all time, “White Christmas.” From there, readers will delight in a sensory trip through jazz, rock, punk, riot grrrl, pop, rap, grunge, indie, emo, and more, deepening their knowledge and love of the songs that shaped Seattle, and in the process, each of us.

Both a love letter and love song to the city, The Sound of Seattle is a visual guide organized by decade, with seminal songs profiled and paired with inventive design reminiscent of a favorite zine or concert poster. Includes interviews with Seattle legends like Heart’s Nancy Wilson, as well as sidebars showcasing musical landmarks throughout the city. 

How has the Emerald City’s musical output changed and evolved? What is the connective tissue between Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Kenny G? Between Melvins, Sleater-Kinney, and Foo Fighters? Between Sir Mix-a-Lot, Macklemore, and Travis Thompson? We’re gonna find out!

Moon Unit Zappa Explores Fame, Family, and Frank in Memoir ‘Earth to Moon’

Eric Alper
-
0
Moon Unit Zappa Explores Fame, Family, and Frank in Memoir ‘Earth to Moon’

From Moon Unit Zappa, the daughter of musical visionary Frank Zappa, comes a memoir of growing up in her unconventional household in 1970s Los Angeles, coming of age in the Hollywood Hills in the 1980s as the “Valley Girl,” gaining momentum as an accidental VJ on a new network called MTV, and finding herself after losing her father, then her mother, and the testing of her most important relationships.

How can you navigate life as the “normal” child of an extraordinary creative? What is it like to live in a hothouse of individuality that on one hand fosters freedom of expression, and on the other tamps down the basic desires of a child for boundaries and affection? Should you call your parents Frank and Gail from birth?

For Moon Unit Zappa, processing a life so punctuated by the whims of genius, the tastes of popular culture, the calculus of celebrity, and the nature of love, was at times eviscerating, at times illuminating—but mostly deeply confusing. Yes, this is a book about growing up in the shadow of Frank Zappa. Moon and her family were a source of constant curiosity, for their unique names and for their father’s reputation as a musical savant and fierce protector of the First Amendment, even though he was never a commercial success.

Searching for her own path, first as her father’s inadvertent musical collaborator and public sidekick with their surprise mega radio hit, then as an actress, an artist, a spiritual person, a wife and mother, Moon Unit calculates ever-changing equations of fame, family, death and ultimately legacy when dealt the shocking news that Gail’s will established an unequal distribution among the remaining, tight-knit Zappas, catalyzing a quest for meaning and redemption.

With love, humor, and humility, Earth to Moon reminds us that every family is faced with problems that are unique to their particular makeup, but the journey to growing into yourself with grace is as universal as it gets.

10 Of The Most Powerful Performances At Woodstock

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Of The Most Powerful Performances At Woodstock

Woodstock was not simply a music festival. It was a moment, a movement, and a muddy miracle of sound and spirit. Held in August 1969 on a dairy farm, it became the most famous gathering of music lovers in history. The artists who stepped onto that stage did more than perform—they changed the weather, the rhythm, and the very idea of what music could do. They played like the world was listening. Because it was.

Here are ten of the most powerful performances at Woodstock, in alphabetical order, like the vinyl rack of your coolest friend’s basement.

Canned Heat
Canned Heat brought the blues and the boogie to Bethel with an unstoppable groove and sunglasses that could see through time. Their performance of “Going Up the Country” became the unofficial anthem of the festival, floating through the crowd like a warm breeze. With harmonicas howling and guitars glowing, they turned mud into magic. They were a jam band before jam bands were a genre.

Country Joe McDonald
With nothing but a borrowed guitar and a whole lot of nerve, Country Joe took the stage solo and delivered a performance that was equal parts protest and punchline. His infamous “Fish Cheer” had the crowd chanting in unison before he even strummed a note. Then came “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” which turned satire into solidarity. No band, no backup, just pure, unfiltered folk fury.

Creedence Clearwater Revival
They played in the middle of the night, well after most of the cameras had stopped rolling, but Creedence Clearwater Revival still brought the swamp-rock storm. With John Fogerty’s raspy wail echoing through the dark, songs like “Born on the Bayou” and “Bad Moon Rising” sounded like prophecies. It was tight, relentless, and louder than the generators. A headline performance the sun never saw.

Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix played the final set of the festival, but he was not just a closing act—he was a cosmic event. His rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” bent the national anthem into a cry of protest, beauty, and electricity. With feedback and fury, he turned his guitar into a voice of its own. Fewer people saw it live, but everyone remembers it.

Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin did not take the stage—she took over the sky. With a bottle of Southern Comfort and a howl that could melt steel, she poured her soul into every note. “Piece of My Heart” was not simply sung—it was torn out and offered up. Janis made pain sound like poetry and turned vulnerability into power.

Jefferson Airplane
Jefferson Airplane woke the festival up with a sunrise performance that felt like a psychedelic sermon. Grace Slick commanded the stage like a cosmic general, delivering “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” with laser-like focus. The band was tight, the sun was rising, and suddenly everything felt possible. It was the perfect soundtrack for a morning that no one had slept through.

Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker’s cover of “With a Little Help from My Friends” did something wild—it took a Beatles song and made it even more emotional. With his spasmodic movements and soul-soaked voice, he gave everything he had and then kept going. His raspy wail turned the lyrics into gospel. It was one of the festival’s most beloved moments, and rightly so.

Richie Havens
Richie Havens opened the festival with a performance that was not even supposed to happen—but thank goodness it did. He played for nearly three hours while the crew waited for other acts to arrive, strumming until his fingers bled. His improvised song “Freedom” became an instant legend, sung with urgency and grace. He did not just open Woodstock—he opened its heart.

Santana
Before the world even knew his name, Carlos Santana stepped onto the Woodstock stage and delivered a performance that felt like lightning in rhythm form. With his band behind him and his guitar practically breathing fire, “Soul Sacrifice” became a full-body spiritual experience. Drummer Michael Shrieve—only 20 years old—played like a man possessed, and the whole set pulsed with wild, Latin-infused rock energy. Santana came in as a relative unknown and left as a legend carved into the very mud of Max Yasgur’s farm.

Sly and the Family Stone
At 3:30 in the morning, most of the crowd should have been asleep, but Sly and the Family Stone made sure that no one could even think about closing their eyes. Their blend of funk, soul, and rock exploded into the night, lifting spirits and shaking hips. “I Want to Take You Higher” was not just a lyric—it was a mission. And it succeeded.

Woodstock was three days of peace and music, but it was also a collection of performances that still ripple through time. These artists did not just play songs—they made statements, sparked revolutions, and created a blueprint for what live music could be. Muddy boots, fried amps, and all—it was pure electricity.

Turn on, tune in, and remember: the best sets do not always go on at the best times. Sometimes they go on when the world needs them most.

10 Of The Most Influential Women In Rock

Eric Alper
-
0
10 Of The Most Influential Women In Rock

Rock and roll may have started with a swagger and a sneer, but some of its fiercest fire came from women who took the stage like they owned it—because they did. These trailblazers did not wait for permission. They kicked down the doors of the boys’ club, turned the amps up to eleven, and rewrote what it meant to be a rock star. They did it their way—with eyeliner, distortion pedals, and lyrics that still echo today.

Here are ten of the most influential women in rock, listed alphabetically like your favorite record store bin, but packed with thunder and legacy.

Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde walked into the punk scene with a leather jacket and a razor-sharp pen. As the leader of The Pretenders, she gave rock music both elegance and grit, all while playing guitar like it was an extension of her soul. Her songs spoke of longing and rebellion in equal measure, sung with a voice that sounded like a romantic punch to the gut. She proved that you could be poetic and powerful—and she never blinked.

Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry made punk glamorous and made glam dangerous. With Blondie, she bridged New York’s underground scene with disco, new wave, and art-pop brilliance. Her bleach-blonde look was iconic, but her voice and swagger were the real stars. Debbie sang with cool detachment one moment and wild ferocity the next—and through it all, she made it very clear who was in charge.

Grace Slick
Grace Slick did not just front a band—she led a psychedelic revolution with Jefferson Airplane. Her voice could float like a feather or tear through the fog like a battle cry. “White Rabbit” was more than a song; it was a challenge to wake up and question everything. Grace brought surrealism, power, and unapologetic intellect to a generation ready to get weird and get loud.

Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin poured every ounce of her being into every note she sang. Her voice was gravel and gold, pure emotion pushed through a mic and into history. She took blues and made it electric, made it dangerous, made it hers. Janis did not just perform—she howled, she wept, and she set stages on fire with the sheer force of her presence.

Joan Jett
Joan Jett loves rock and roll, and she made sure the world knew it. She started with The Runaways, took on the industry that said no, and came back with a sound so fierce it refused to be ignored. With her leather-clad look and snarling riffs, she became a symbol of defiance. Joan made it clear that girls could rock just as hard—and maybe even harder.

Kim Gordon
Kim Gordon did not need to scream to shake the ground. As bassist, vocalist, and co-founder of Sonic Youth, she created noise that felt like art and made art that sounded like rebellion. She turned dissonance into beauty and cool detachment into strength. Kim redefined what it meant to be powerful onstage—intellectual, experimental, and utterly untouchable.

Patti Smith
Patti Smith is the poet laureate of punk. With a battered guitar and a stack of Rimbaud poems, she exploded onto the scene with raw truth and fearless soul. “Horses” was a manifesto disguised as an album, and her voice remains an anthem for the outsiders and dreamers. Patti did not just influence rock—she rewrote its DNA with words and wisdom.

Polly Jean Harvey (PJ Harvey)
PJ Harvey makes intensity feel intimate and art feel like confession. With every album, she shapeshifts into a new persona—vamp, warrior, chronicler of war and womanhood. Her music is fearless, often unsettling, and always brilliant. PJ built a career on reinvention and honesty, and her influence can be heard in every whisper and wail across modern rock.

Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks floats through rock history in a haze of chiffon and stardust, but do not be fooled—her songwriting hits like a spell. With Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist, she created emotional anthems that feel both mystical and grounded. Her voice, instantly recognizable, is the sound of heartbreak, hope, and magic all at once. Stevie is not just a rock icon—she is a rock sorceress.

Tina Turner
Tina Turner roared her way from R&B beginnings to full-blown rock royalty. Her performances were volcanic—she did not walk onstage; she erupted. With every shake, stomp, and shout, she embodied survival and strength. Tina’s voice was pure power, and her influence stretched across genres, genders, and generations.

These women did more than play music. They inspired, innovated, and ignited a fire that keeps burning through amps, headphones, and festival fields. They are not just part of rock history. They are its heart, its edge, and its future.

Now go turn it up.

1...615616617...3,045Page 616 of 3,045

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper